Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Patios That Pop with Color!

After planting all of the new plants you picked up from your local plant nursery, you deserve to chill and relax. If all you have is one patio chair, consider creating a "rest" area in your garden.  

Although ornate iron benches do look lovely in your butterfly garden, they do nothing for your back. Its not just your back, but perhaps your feet are soar too? Heck, everything hurts when you have been gardening all day. Wouldn't it be nice to sink into a comfy couch, chair, bed, lounge, hammock, or anything that lends itself to supreme relaxation? Indeed.     


I hope by now you are considering the idea of a backyard "rest" area. If you are, consider one more thing. Consider making it colorful. Cheerful colors can certainly lift your spirits and make you feel refreshed. Patios that pop with color are inviting to the eye and spirit. 


You don't have to go all out "carnival color crazy" since just a little bit of color used in the right spot will do the trick. It's easy to grab a few colorful pillows and plop them on your garden lounge chair. So you don't want to buy colorful pillows for your garden lounge chair? No problem, paint your garden lounge chair instead.








For Inspiration - Here are a few colorful patios that pop with color. 






Friday, June 15, 2012

Garden Tips and Tricks


WEEDS!
Baking soda neutralizes the ph in the soil and nothing will grow there. I use baking soda in a 6" wide area around all of the edges of my flower beds to keep the grass and weeds from growing into my beds. Just sprinkle it onto the soil so that it covers it lightly. I usually have to do this twice a year - spring and fall.


Log Lovely...
Turn an ugly log into a beautiful garden feature. Cut out a section of the log, make sure you drill holes for drainage, and plant colorful flowers to brighten up your garden. If you prefer succulents that need less water, logs are great for keeping moisture.


Tin Tub Terrific
Instead of tossing your old broken tub, try hanging it up. With a simple garden hanger stake you can hang your tub on the side and plant some annuals or perennials to brighten up your garden. Keep an eye on your creative achievement since depending on the flower, you may need to re-soil from time to time.






Colorful Garden Ideas

Working with what you've got may sometimes prove better than going out and getting something new and perhaps costly. If you can save a few bucks by enhancing, modifying, or just plain re-vamping what you have ....well then, why not?
If you have a little time, a little creativity, and a little budget....read on
Visit your local paint shop or hardware store and pick up some outdoor paint for metal that contains rust resistant properties. Pick one color or a variety of colors and spray paint your old grey drab folding chairs. It's a good idea to buy paint that has a little gloss for these chairs. The flat paint does not have the same "new" look.
Take your old clay pots and add some color by dipping opposite ends of the pot with your choice of muted and bright. Using both the muted and bright colors creates an interesting color combo. Just be sure you buy paint that will survive outdoors. 




Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Garden Party with Color!

Next time you plan your garden party consider adding color against the green in your garden. Use one color in different shades, three colors, four colors, or an explosion of color. 


Pastels look elegant and bright colors look festive. Color coordinate everything; plates, decorative pieces, linens, flowers, chair bows, silverware, and anything that you can mix in from your creative juices. 


Bring out the designer in you with a shabby chic look, classic, contemporary, Asian, or Moroccan look  - its all about the color. 


What a great way to enjoy the outdoors! Use your green surroundings and party with color!  






GARDEN PARTY Bug Survival!

Summer is here along with all the undesirables; mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and all manner of flying, creeping, and buzzing bugs. Nonetheless, nothing beats a family gathering in the freedom and close to nature locale of your own backyard. Whether it s a small space or a really big envious space, it always gives you that feeling of "outside", out of the confines of walls.


Make your summer special by planning parties in your backyard that take into consideration protective measures against the bug invasion. Gather your arsenal of bug spray, mosquito nets, and citronella candles. Don't let the bugs confine you to those walls! Gather your forces and get out!


Here are some interesting pics......


Mosquito Nets!

Outdoor Cooking - Mosquito Net

Decorative Repellant Lights

Citronella Candles



Saturday, June 9, 2012

Arched For Success


Archways create a free standing sanctuary. Whether it is your sanctuary or the sanctuary devoted toy your favorite garden growths, archways bring attention to areas that would otherwise go unnoticed.
The classic archway is made of iron, simple lines or elaborate turns and twists. The creative archway is limitless, made of dried wood, dried vines, wire, bamboo, existing trees that meet, or any material that lends itself to form what could be identified as an arch.
Archways may be perceived as the poor man's gazebo, but if you put some time and yes a little money into it, your archway may be the envy of the neighborhood nosy passer-by. 
Some things are better not seen or heard of and if that's your intention all the better. Your "secret" archway will please you and you alone...who better?
For More Garden Goddess - see our board on Pinterest

GARDEN GODDESS GETS PLANTED

How Green Does Your Garden Grow?
Great Gardening Ideas from the very simple to the most complex - from cutting the grass to I need a landscape architect. From the inexpensive to the very costly - From making a trip to Home Depot to I need a second mortgage for this one. 
All of these wonderful garden ideas and images have been compiled for you by our sponsor Murals For Kids. Please visit www.muralsforkids.com for amazing wall decor ideas.
See more gardening ideas on our Pinterest Garden Goddess Board
JUNE......ON THE RIGHT PATH